Albania has swiftly evolved from an obscure destination to a widely sought-after travel hotspot in just a few years. Sunshine, beautiful beaches, deep blue seas, towering mountains, fascinating culture, and interesting history attract travelers from near and far. Additionally, Albania is a country where most things are affordable, especially compared to Scandinavia.
The Albanian people are generally very friendly and hospitable, and also proud of their culture and long history. Show respect and an appreciation for the culture, and you’ll receive a warm welcome in this captivating and somewhat exotic Southeast European country.
Here are some things that might be useful to know before traveling to Albania:
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1. Albanian pace
In Albania, people like to relax. In the middle of the day, there is a siesta – small shops often close, and many take a break from work and school. Keep this in mind, especially when going out to eat at a restaurant. It may take about 10 minutes from the time you sit down until someone shows up to take your order. There’s no point in getting frustrated; instead, be patient and make sure you have plenty of time. Pro tip: Ask for the wifi password as soon as you arrive. This lets the staff know you are there.
After visiting Albania several times, I found out that I really enjoy this relaxing pace. Maybe you will too?
2. Traffic in Albania
On the other hand, when Albanians are behind the wheel, everything has to move quickly! Patience does not exist in traffic, and honking, cursing, and gesturing happen as soon as things slow down or someone parks in the middle of the street. Much of the honking is simply meant as a warning for overtaking though, especially when motorcycles are weaving through heavy traffic.
Parking rules seem to be non-existing, resulting in cars being parked anywhere. Cars on sidewalks, in crosswalks, on highways, and double-parked vehicles are entirely normal.
Albanians like to drive fast, and speed limits are typically seen as “suggestions” on how fast you should drive, not actual limits!
Find out more about driving in Albania here.
3. Smoking in Albania
“Everyone” in Albania smokes, outdoors and indoors. On the street, at the beach, at bus stops, and inside cafes and restaurants. Therefore, don’t be surprised if the guys at the neighboring table light up a cigarette each while you are having dinner at a nice restaurant, or if the bus driver smokes throughout the entire journey.
4. Stray cats and dogs
In contrast to Norway and most of the Western world, where we have dogs and cats as pets, Albania is home to thousands of stray cats and dogs. This means you will see both dogs and cats lurking around wherever you go. They are mostly calm and harmless, but it can be a bit annoying if cats come begging at your restaurant table. Or if you’re afraid of dogs and 4-5 of them come strolling towards you on the sidewalk.
5. Cash is king – or?
Albania has long been a cash-only country. From our experience, they accept cards in many places now, especially in cities accustomed to tourists, usually if the amount exceeds a certain sum – often 1000 lek (10€). However, there are still some shops/restaurants with signs that say “Cash only.”
You can also pay with euros at several places (e.g., larger restaurants, hotels, taxis, and beaches). Sometimes, we paid with lek and received change in euros, or a combination of lek and euros. You can withdraw lek from ATMs, which are now found in many places, e.g., at Tirana airport or at the port in Saranda. It’s advisable to withdraw a significant amount at once since the fee is usually fixed (typically 700 lek = approx. 6-7 euro).
Albanian currency = lek (ALL)
1 euro = 98.25 lek (usually gets rounded to 100 when you pay for something)
(checked on 17.01.2025)
6. Tipping in Albania
You don’t need to tip at restaurants, but it is highly appreciated if you give a little extra if you are satisfied with the food/service. You can round up the bill or leave 5-10% if you are pleased.
7. Garbage
Unfortunately, littering is a significant problem in Albania. There are many beautiful and popular places to visit in the country, but everywhere you go, there is a lot of garbage to see. It seems like people here don’t care much about it. The problem might be addressed more seriously as the country becomes an increasingly popular holiday destination. We hope so!
8. Under construction
In many places, you will also notice all the half-finished, seemingly abandoned houses and buildings. This is simply because the country is poor but also rapidly developing. It’s just “under construction!” 🙂
9. Language
Albanians have their own language, Albanian or Shqip, as they call it. It is different from most other languages, and there’s a high chance you won’t understand a single word.
It is said that less than 5% of the population speaks English, but this is clearly changing too. In popular tourist areas, we find it quite easy to communicate in English based on our experience.
If you take the time to learn a few words in Albanian, it will be greatly appreciated!
Some common words (and approximate pronunciation):
Hello (informal): Tjeta (tyeh-tah)
Please: Ju lutem (ju luu-tehm)
Thank you: Faleminderit (fah-le-minn-deer-it)
Good day: Mirëdita (mir-deetah)
Goodbye (informal): Shëndet (shuhn-det)
10. Raki – Albania’s “national drink”
Raki is a type of spirit made from grapes. Albanians consider raki their national drink, and it is a significant part of the country’s culture. Raki is enjoyed on nearly every occasion, and when toasting, they say “gëzuar.” Unlike in some other cultures where you’re expected to drink everything in one gulp, it’s entirely acceptable to sip a glass of raki. It is not uncommon to be offered raki at the end of a meal, and it is considered rude to decline. Gëzuar! 😀
Have a great trip to Albania!
A small update (2024). After publishing the post, we see that many of you have the following questions:
Is there a lot of crime in Albania?
No, Albania has little crime. It’s still wise to avoid wearing expensive watches, bags, etc. Be mindful of your valuables in crowded places. (Rules that apply everywhere in the world, really.)
Is it safe to travel to Albania?
Yes, Albania is a very safe travel destination. On the Global Peace Index, Albania gets ranked as safe as the UK and Italy. For comparison, France and Cyprus are much lower on the scale. The capital of Albania, Tirana, is considered a very safe city to travel to. The only place in Albania that might be a bit unsafe is the border area with Kosovo.
Wonder if it’s ok to bring the kids on a vacation in Albania? Find out in this guide.
How much does a beer cost in Albania?
At a restaurant/pub: 1,8 – 4,7 euro for a half-liter.
At a grocery store: 1,3 – 1,8 euro for a half-liter.
Read more about Albanian beer here and Albanian food here.
So, there should be no doubt anymore whether you should travel or not! HAVE A GREAT TRIP! 😀
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